Collapsible portable shelter

ABSTRACT

A portable shelter includes a collapsible frame movable between a collapsed configuration and a constructed configuration. The frame includes a plurality of poles. Each pole defines a terminal end. A skin is configured to cover the frame to at least partially define a space within the frame in the constructed configuration. The skin is further configured to receive the terminal end of each pole. A base is configured to define a floor of the shelter. At least a portion of the base is releasably coupled to the skin.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application 200620082600.8 entitled “Pet House,” filed on Mar. 30, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a collapsible portable shelter and, more particularly, to a collapsible portable shelter suitable for accommodating a pet, such as a dog or a cat.

Many pet owners desire to provide their pet with a suitable shelter in the home or while traveling. Pet owners further desire that the shelter be easily constructed and collapsed, as well as easily stored and transported. Many conventional pet shelters include multiple parts that are difficult and/or time consuming to assemble and disassemble. Further, these conventional pet shelters and others are also difficult to store and transport. For example, the multiple parts are unorganized during storage and/or transport and, thus, may be easily lost, misplaced or forgotten.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a portable shelter is provided. The portable shelter includes a collapsible frame movable between a collapsed configuration and a constructed configuration. The frame includes a plurality of poles. Each of the plurality of poles defines a terminal end. A skin is configured to cover the frame to at least partially define a space within the frame in the constructed configuration. The skin is further configured to receive the terminal end of each pole. A base is configured to define a floor of the shelter. At least a portion of the base is releasably coupled to the skin.

In another aspect, a portable shelter is provided. The portable shelter includes a collapsible frame movable between a collapsed configuration and a constructed configuration. The frame includes a plurality of poles coupled to a central hub. Each of the plurality of poles defines a terminal end. A skin is configured to cover the frame to at least partially define a space within the frame in the constructed configuration. The skin is further configured to receive the terminal end of each pole. A support member is operatively coupled to the skin and/or the frame. The support member is configured to facilitate defining the space. A base defines a floor of the shelter. At least a portion of the base is releasably coupled to the skin.

In another aspect, a method is provided for constructing a portable collapsible shelter. The method includes positioning a frame movable between a collapsed configuration and a constructed configuration within a skin. The frame includes a plurality of poles coupled to a central hub. Each of the plurality of poles defines a terminal end. The frame is constructed such that with the frame in a constructed configuration, the skin substantially covers the frame to at least partially define a space within the frame. The terminal end of each of the plurality of poles is coupled to a peripheral edge portion of the skin. At least a portion of a base is releasably coupled to the skin to define a floor of the shelter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is perspective view of an exemplary collapsible portable shelter in a constructed configuration;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a collapsible portable shelter assembly including a storage case;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary frame for the shelter shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the exemplary frame as shown in FIG. 3 positioned within and partially coupled to a skin with the shelter in a partially constructed configuration;

FIG. 5 is a front view of a base partially releasably coupled to a skin of the shelter; and

FIG. 6 is perspective view of an exemplary collapsible portable shelter in a constructed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, the present invention provides a collapsible portable shelter 10 suitable for accommodating a pet, such as a dog or a cat. The present invention is described below in reference to its application in connection with a collapsible portable shelter for a pet. However, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided that the invention is likewise applicable to any collapsible portable shelter having any suitable size, shape and/or configuration to accommodate at least one person and/or at least one animal.

Portable shelter 10 is movable between a constructed configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, and a collapsed configuration in which portable shelter 10 can be stored and/or transported in a suitable carrying case 11, as shown in FIG. 2. Portable shelter 10 includes a collapsible frame 12 that is movable between a constructed configuration, such as shown in FIG. 3, and a collapsed configuration to facilitate storing and/or transporting portable shelter 10. Collapsible frame 12 includes a plurality of poles 14, such as four poles 14. Each pole 14 defines a first end 16 coupled to a central hub 18 and an opposing second or terminal end 20. With frame 12 in the constructed configuration, central hub 18 is substantially aligned along a central axis 22 of portable shelter 10, shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, each pole 14 includes a plurality of segments or portions to facilitate movement of pole 14, as desired. In a particular embodiment, each pole 14 includes a first segment 24 coupled to central hub 18 and a second segment 26 movably coupled, such as pivotally and/or rotationally coupled, and/or removably coupled to first segment 24. In this embodiment, second segment 26 defines terminal end 20. First segment 24 is coupled to corresponding second segment 26 with a suitable coupling mechanism including, without limitation, a tubular joint 28, shown in FIG. 3, a hinge joint, a pivot joint or a bracket joint (not shown). Tubular joint 28 may be fabricated using a suitable rigid or semi-rigid material, such as a suitable metal, alloy, composite and/or plastic material. Alternatively, tubular joint 28 may be fabricated using a suitable flexible material, such as a rubber material. Further, tubular joint 28 may include a plurality of portions fabricated using a rigid or semi-rigid material that are movably coupled together. In an alternative embodiment, each pole 14 is flexible such that pole 14 is bendable and/or shapeable to function as described herein.

Referring further to FIG. 4, with frame 12 in the constructed configuration, first segments 24 of poles 14 at least partially define a roof support structure 30 of portable shelter 10. Further, second segments 26 of poles 14 at least partially define a wall support structure 32 of portable shelter 10. In one embodiment, second segments 26 are substantially parallel to central axis 22.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, portable shelter 10 also includes a skin 40 that is configured to substantially cover frame 12 to at least partially define a space 42 within frame 12 in the constructed configuration. A roof portion 44 of skin 40 is positioned about roof support structure 30 and a sidewall portion 46 of skin 40 is positioned about wall support structure 32. As shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, an eave 45 extends radially outwardly from roof portion 44 and about at least a portion of a periphery of roof portion 44. In a particular embodiment, decorative and/or ornamental elements, such as fringe, are coupled to eave 45. In one embodiment, sidewall portion 46 is substantially cylindrical. In an alternative embodiment, sidewall portion 46 is substantially conical.

Skin 40 is also configured to receive terminal end 20 of each pole 14. In one embodiment, a plurality of coupling members 48 are coupled at a peripheral edge portion 50 of skin 40. Each coupling member 48 is configured to couple to terminal end 20 of corresponding pole 14. In a particular embodiment, coupling member 48 includes a pin or a hook (not shown) that is configured to slide within an opening defined by terminal end 20 to couple pole 14 to skin 40. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of pockets 52 are formed in or coupled to skin 40 and configured to receive terminal end 20 of corresponding pole 14. Skin 40 also includes a plurality of fastening elements 53, such as a suitable VELCRO fastener, to facilitate coupling respective pole 14 to skin 40. Skin 40 defines an opening 54 within sidewall portion 46 of skin 40 to provide access or communication with space 42 such that a pet is able to move through opening 54 into and out of space 42.

In one embodiment, a support member 60 is operatively coupled to frame 12 and/or skin 40. Referring further to FIG. 5, support member 60 is coupled to skin 40 and configured to facilitate defining space 42. Support member 60 further provides additional structural support to maintain frame 12 in the constructed configuration. In a particular embodiment, each pole 14 is removably coupled to support member 60. In a further embodiment, support member 60 is formed of a unitary and/or continuous structure to define an elliptical cross-sectional area or a polygonal cross-sectional area. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided that support member 60 may be configured to have any suitable size, shape and/or configuration to facilitate forming space 42 having a suitable size, shape and/or foot plan, as desired. As shown in FIG. 5, support member 60 is positioned within a sleeve 62 formed by or coupled to peripheral edge portion 50 of skin 40. In a further embodiment, support member 60 is formed in a suitable shape by coupling a first end of support member 60 to a generally opposing second end after support member 60 is slidably positioned within sleeve 62. In this embodiment, the first end is decoupled from the second end to facilitate removing support member 60 from within sleeve 62 to facilitate collapsing and/or storing portable shelter 10.

Portable shelter 10 includes a base 64 at least partially releaseably coupled to skin 40 and configured to define a floor 66 of portable shelter 10. In one embodiment, a zipper 68 is configured to facilitate releasably coupling at least a portion of base 64 to skin 40. In a particular embodiment, only a portion of base 64 is releasably coupled to skin 40 such that a peripheral portion 70 of base 64 remains securely coupled to skin 40 to prevent misplacing base 64. With frame 12 in the constructed configuration within skin 40 to define space 42, zipper 68 facilitates coupling base 64 to skin 40 to complete construction of portable shelter 10. In one embodiment, a cushion 72 is removably positioned within space 42 and configured to cover at least a portion of floor 66. Cushion 72 provides a comfortable resting area for the pet.

In one embodiment, a method for constructing portable shelter 10 includes removing the components of portable shelter 10 from within carrying case 11 shown in FIG. 2. Frame 12 is positioned within skin 40, as shown in FIG. 4. Frame 12 may be positioned within skin 40 in a collapsed configuration, a partially constructed configuration or a fully constructed configuration, as shown in FIG. 3, as desired. Frame 12 includes a plurality of poles 14 that are coupled to central hub 18. Each pole 14 defines a terminal end 20.

Frame 12 is constructed such that with frame 12 in the constructed configuration, skin 40 substantially covers frame 12 to at least partially define space 42 within frame 12. Terminal end 20 of each pole 14 is coupled to peripheral edge portion 50 of skin 40. In a particular embodiment, terminal end 20 of each pole 14 is positioned within a corresponding pocket 52 formed at peripheral edge portion 50 of skin 40. At least a portion of base 64 is releasably coupled skin 40 using a zipper 68 or any suitable releasable coupling mechanism, such as a snap or button. With base 64 coupled to skin 40, base 64 defines floor 66 of portable shelter 10. In one embodiment, cushion 72 is removably positioned within space 42 and configured to cover at least a portion of floor 66 to provide a comfortable resting area for the pet. In a particular embodiment, at least one decorative and/or ornamental element, such as a point 74 as shown in FIG. 6, is removably coupled to portable shelter 10, as desired.

The above-described collapsible portable shelter and method for constructing the portable shelter facilitate efficiently constructing the portable shelter to provide a temporary or permanent shelter for a pet. If desired, the portable shelter is easily collapsible for storage and/or transport. In one embodiment, the components of the collapsed shelter are stored within a carrying case to facilitate storing and/or transporting the portable shelter.

Exemplary embodiments of a collapsible portable shelter and a method for constructing the portable shelter are described above in detail. The portable shelter and method are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of the portable shelter and/or steps of the method may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. Further, the described portable shelter components and/or method steps can also be defined in, or used in combination with, other shelters and/or methods and are not limited to practice with only the collapsible portable shelter and method as described herein.

While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims. 

1. A portable shelter comprising: a collapsible frame movable between a collapsed configuration and a constructed configuration, said frame comprising a plurality of poles, each of said plurality of poles defining a terminal end; a skin configured to cover said frame to at least partially define a space within said frame in the constructed configuration, said skin further configured to receive said terminal end of each said pole; and a base configured to define a floor of said shelter, at least a portion of said base releasably coupled to said skin.
 2. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 1 wherein each of said plurality of poles is coupled to a central hub.
 3. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 2 wherein each of said plurality of poles further comprises a first segment coupled to said central hub and a second segment coupled to said first segment and defining said terminal end.
 4. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 3 wherein said first segments of said plurality of poles at least partially define a roof support structure of said shelter.
 5. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 3 wherein said second segments of said plurality of poles at least partially define a wall support structure of said shelter, said skin defining an opening therethrough providing access to the space.
 6. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 5 wherein said skin defines a substantially cylindrical wall of said shelter.
 7. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 1 wherein said skin further comprises a plurality of pockets, each of said plurality of pockets configured to receive a corresponding said terminal end.
 8. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 1 wherein said skin further comprises a plurality of coupling members, each of said plurality of coupling members configured to couple to a corresponding said terminal end.
 9. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a zipper configured to facilitate releasably coupling at least a portion of said base to said skin.
 10. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a cushion removably positioned within the space and configured to cover at least a portion of said floor.
 11. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 1 wherein said skin further comprises a support member configured to facilitate defining the space.
 12. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 11 wherein said support member further comprises a continuous structure.
 13. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 11 wherein said support member defines one of an elliptical cross-sectional area and a polygonal cross-sectional area.
 14. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 11 wherein said support member is positioned within a sleeve formed by a peripheral edge portion of said skin.
 15. A portable shelter comprising: a collapsible frame movable between a collapsed configuration and a constructed configuration, said frame comprising a plurality of poles coupled to a central hub, each of said plurality of poles defining a terminal end; a skin configured to cover said frame to at least partially define a space within said frame in the constructed configuration, said skin further configured to receive said terminal end of each said pole; a support member operatively coupled to at least one of said skin and said frame, said support member configured to facilitate defining the space; and a base defining a floor of said shelter, at least a portion of said base releasably coupled to said skin.
 16. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 15 wherein each of said plurality of poles further comprises a first segment coupled to said central hub and a second segment coupled to said first segment and defining said terminal end.
 17. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 16 wherein said first segments of said plurality of poles at least partially define a roof support structure of said shelter and said second segments of said plurality of poles at least partially define a wall support structure of said shelter, said skin defining an opening therethrough providing access to the space.
 18. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 15 wherein said skin further comprises a plurality of pockets, each of said plurality of pockets configured to receive a corresponding said terminal end.
 19. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 15 further comprising a zipper configured to facilitate releasably coupling at least a portion of said base to said skin.
 20. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 15 wherein said support member defines one of an elliptical cross-sectional area and a polygonal cross-sectional area.
 21. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 15 wherein said support member is positioned within a sleeve formed by a peripheral edge portion of said skin.
 22. A portable shelter in accordance with claim 15 wherein each of said plurality of poles further comprises a first segment and a second segment, and a coupling mechanism configured to couple said first segment to said second segment.
 23. A method for constructing a portable collapsible shelter, said method comprising: positioning a frame movable between a collapsed configuration and a constructed configuration within a skin, the frame comprising a plurality of poles coupled to a central hub, each of the plurality of poles defining a terminal end; constructing the frame such that with the frame in a constructed configuration, the skin substantially covers the frame to at least partially define a space within the frame; coupling the terminal end of each of the plurality of poles to a peripheral edge portion of the skin; and releaseably coupling at least a portion of a base to the skin to define a floor of the shelter.
 24. A method in accordance with claim 23 wherein coupling the terminal end of each of the plurality of poles to a peripheral edge portion of the skin further comprises positioning the terminal end of each of the plurality of poles within a pocket formed at the peripheral edge portion of the skin.
 25. A method in accordance with claim 23 wherein the frame is constructed one of before or after the frame is positioned within the skin. 